In the prestigious academic publishing houses De Gruyter and Brill Publishers (Berlin and Leiden) — among the most authoritative in Europe and worldwide — has been published a collective monograph “After Soviet State Antisemitism: Emigration, Transformation, and the Revival of Jewish Life After 1991”.
This volume is the second installment in the series “Post-Soviet Jewry in Transition”, initiated by the Institute of Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS), a research and analytical project of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC). One of the two chief editors of the series, as well as co-editor and contributor to the volume “After Soviet State Antisemitism”, is Professor Zeev Khanin, the academic head of IEAJS. Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov, EAJC CEO and Vice President of the Institute, has also contributed to the series as a member of the editorial board and co-author of the new volume.
The second volume of the “Post-Soviet Jewry in Transition” series aims to contribute to the study of new trends and perspectives in Jewish life across the post-Soviet space. The new publication features contributions from a group of distinguished experts from Belarus, Germany, Israel, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. These experts analyze contemporary Jewish communities in the post-Soviet countries of the Euro-Asian region using methods from sociology, history, cultural studies, religious studies, ethnography, political science, and related disciplines.
Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, director general of theEAJC, remarked:
“The series ‘Post-Soviet Jewry in Transition,’ initiated by us, along with the publication of its two volumes and the fruitful collaboration of IEAJS with the highly esteemed De Gruyter publishing house, signifies the recognition of the authority of the EAJC-established think tank — the Institute of Euro-Asian Jewish Studies. We continue to pursue active research and analysis across a wide range of topics, engaging experts and researchers from the Euro-Asian region. We are pleased that the results of such challenging work have materialized in this remarkable publication, and we look forward to the many plans and research projects that lie ahead.”
About the book “After Soviet State Antisemitism: Emigration, Transformation, and the Revival of Jewish Life After 1991”
Following the abolishment of state-sanctioned antisemitism under Gorbachev’s Perestroika liberalization policy, Jewish life in the (F)SU ([former] Soviet Union) was dominated by two interrelated trends: large-scale emigration on the one hand, and attempts to re-establish a fully-organized local Jewish life on the other. Although many aspects of these trends have become the subjects of academic research, a few important developments in the recent decade have not been studied in depth.
The authors of this volume trace these trends using various methods from the social sciences and humanities and focusing on issues pertaining to the physical, mental, legal, and cultural borders of the Jewish collective in the post-Soviet Eurasia; traditional and modern patterns of Jewish ethnic, national, religious, and cultural identities; the development of Jewish organizations and movements; contemporary Jewish religious and civil culture; and the general sociocultural and political context(s) of the FSU Jewish life.
This volume will make a robust contribution to research on contemporary Jewish (and other) ethnicities and will enrich public discourses on ethnic, religious, and cultural minorities and their current situation in Europe and the FSU.
The book is available for purchase on De Gruyter – Brill Publishers website.
The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) extends its deepest condolences to the people of the United States and the country’s leadership following the tragic attacks during New Year celebrations in downtown New Orleans, in the southern part of the country. An armed individual drove a vehicle into a crowd before opening fire on bystanders, resulting in 15 fatalities and over 30 injuries.
It has been reported that the attack was carried out by a U.S. citizen from Texas, a veteran of the U.S. Army. The perpetrator’s motives remain unclear.
Later, on the morning of January 1st, a car exploded in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The individual inside the vehicle was killed, and seven others sustained minor injuries.
The FBI is investigating a possible connection between the two incidents.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. May the Almighty grant them comfort. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured.
President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, said:
“We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence targeting any groups of people, regardless of their political, ideological, or religious affiliations. Among the victims of the New Orleans attack are two Israeli tourists. We hope that U.S. law enforcement, in collaboration with intelligence agencies, will promptly uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime and take all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our hearts are with the families of all those affected.”
Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), addressed The Jerusalem Post’s annual conference held in Miami on December 9–10. The event brought together prominent diplomats, influential politicians, visionary thinkers, technological pioneers, and leaders of Jewish communities worldwide to discuss the far-reaching implications of Israel’s ongoing struggle against pro-Iranian forces in the region.
In his address, Dr. Mirilashvili called for a bold reimagining of global frameworks to uphold international peace and justice. He expressed concern over the dysfunctionality of the United Nations and international courts in The Hague, which, he argued, have devolved into arenas for political posturing rather than guardians of fairness and stability. Stressing the destructive influence of the Iranian regime and its proxies, he emphasized the necessity of their global isolation to ensure lasting regional security.
Dr. Mirilashvili also highlighted the pressing need for post-war reconciliation and the pursuit of groundbreaking peace initiatives. At this critical juncture, he urged world leaders to rise to the occasion with courageous diplomacy, capable of forging a path toward a more peaceful and secure future for Israel and the broader Middle East.
Full broadcast:
Full address:
Dear friends,
It is my honor to address you today at this esteemed Jerusalem Post Leadership Forum. I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak at such a truly critical moment.
The military operation of the Israeli Defense Forces, launched in response to the brutal October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, has triggered an unprecedented wave of global antisemitism and unjust criticism of Israel’s right to defend its citizens and ensure their security.
While Hamas and its supporters celebrate the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister and a former Defense Minister, we cannot remain silent. This is a grave injustice that must not go unnoticed.
We call on all ICC member states to reject this shameful decision and refuse to enforce these arrest warrants.
Israel is fighting for the security of its citizens in a complex and morally challenging battle against terrorists who employ the most despicable war tactics.
Even if we take into account all alleged missteps, it is unthinkable to equate the leaders of a democratic state with the masterminds of a terrorist group responsible for the horrific attack on thousands of innocent civilians.
In recent years, we have witnessed the profound ineffectiveness of institutions meant to uphold international peace and justice. The United Nations and International Courts in The Hague became nothing more than an arena for political games, far from their initial purpose, which they are not fulfilling.
Through their actions, those institutions only exacerbate existing problems rather than resolve them. It became evident that the existing structures are failing. Global leaders must step forward with new, more effective frameworks for justice and diplomacy.
We are deeply grateful to the U.S. administration for its recent veto of the UN Security Council resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza—without demanding the immediate, unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas. Such one-sided demands defy common sense and exemplify the destructive diplomacy that can bring no good except for deepening the crisis.
We also commend the U.S. Senate for decisively rejecting three anti-Israel resolutions. Proposals to halt military aid to Israel set a dangerous precedent, and we are glad that the majority of American lawmakers recognize the importance of supporting a vital strategic ally.
It must be understood that any attempt to undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself against Iran-backed terrorists serves only to embolden those who seek the destruction of Israel and, ultimately, the entire framework of Western civilization, built on freedom and the sanctity of human life. European leaders must also grasp this reality.
As long as Iran continues to play a destructive role in the region, it must face isolation. Its influence on the internal affairs of other nations must be significantly diminished. We support the truce agreement in Lebanon, as long as it fosters governance by legitimately elected representatives rather than Iranian proxies.
In these turbulent geopolitical times, we need constructive diplomacy rather than a destructive one.
A shining example of such diplomacy is the Abraham Accords—an extraordinary achievement of U.S. policy in the Middle East that has genuinely transformed the region. These agreements have set a new precedent for peace and cooperation between Israel and its neighbors, demonstrating the remarkable possibilities that can be achieved through bold and visionary leadership.
What once seemed impossible has given people in the Middle East hope that a more peaceful and stable future may be closer than it appears. These steps were not easy, but they remind us that even deeply rooted paradigms are subject to change. Transformation is possible, and together, we can build a future shaped by reason, dialogue, and a genuine desire for peace.
However, today, I would like to reflect not only on what has been done but what is yet to be accomplished. The cruel realities of multiple wars have become all too familiar, and peace often feels like a very distant aspiration. But we must not get used to it. Now is the time to move forward. It is time to discuss the post-war arrangement.
Yet such dialogue is only possible under a few fundamental conditions.
First, the unconditional recognition of the State of Israel. It is inconceivable, that in the 21st century the Jewish people’s right to self-determination remains subject of debate. The historical decisions of the international community that affirmed Israel’s creation must not be questioned.
Second, the inviolable right of Israel to peace and security. The Jewish state’s right to exist peacefully, protect its citizens and borders cannot be subject for compromise.
This is the foundation of any meaningful discussion about the Middle East’s future.
But we, too, must reexamine our role. Apparently, no one will bring peace to us on a silver platter. We must proactively seek new formulas and be willing to find compromises while firmly upholding our core conditions.
At this pivotal moment, I wish to address Israeli leaders once more: today calls for maturity, wisdom, and responsibility. The Jewish people, in Israel and the diaspora, are looking to you for actions that unite rather than divide. We stand at a historic crossroads where every decision will shape our future for decades to come. In such times, being a politician is not enough—you must be a leader.
We were destined to live in an era of rapid change and immense challenges. Every age presents its own trials but also opens doors to new opportunities.
I know those those gathered here today do more than just observe the world’s changes—they are actively shaping them.
Addressing my colleagues here today, I feel that hope for change is not an abstract concept. It is alive in people who are ready to build bridges where once stood walls. It is alive in their drive to envision and create a world where respect and security replace hostility and fear.
Here, among the leaders of the Jewish world, I firmly believe that change is not only possible—it is inevitable.
The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is ready to support any initiative that brings us closer to a more peaceful and prosperous future. Thank you for your attention.
On December 6th a major fire broke out at the Adass Israel synagogue in southern Melbourne, Australia. Two individuals preparing for the morning prayer were injured and hospitalized. The synagogue sustained significant damage. According to the police, the fire was caused by arson motivated by antisemitism.
The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) extends its wishes for a swift recovery to the injured, strongly condemns the actions of the perpetrators, and calls on Australian law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. The identities of those involved, including the organizers, must be uncovered and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The EAJC emphasizes that the recent normalization of anti-Israeli and antisemitic rhetoric in Australia has undoubtedly contributed to such events.
The EAJC expects the authorities to review their policies on antisemitism, unequivocally condemn this attack, and allocate funds for the synagogue’s restoration. It is also imperative to take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passive behavior by government authorities and security services creates a sense of impunity among perpetrators and leads to further escalation.
A commendable example to follow is the approach taken by German authorities, who make maximum efforts to combat antisemitism and terrorism. Calls for hatred, religious and racial intolerance, and the denial of Israel’s right to self-defense and existence must be excluded from public discourse and prohibited under the law. Germany’s approach has proven effective, demonstrating that tangible measures to combat antisemitic incidents yield real results.
Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the EAJC, noticed:
“The horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 unleashed a wave of blatant antisemitism worldwide. Unfortunately, Australia has not been an exception. The Jewish community in the country has noted a significant rise in antisemitic sentiment in recent months: over the past year, more than two thousand antisemitic acts have been officially recorded—four times more than the previous year. From the tragic history of the last century, we know that antisemitism marks the beginning of the profound degradation of any society, no matter how enlightened it may seem. We call on Australian authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this incident, adopt Germany’s effective practices in combating antisemitism, and take all possible preventive measures to avert such occurrences in the future.”
Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), will take part in the international forum “Building Tomorrow: New Generation Leaders on the Global Stage,” organized by prominent Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post. The event will be held on December 9-10 in Miami.
The forum will bring together diplomats, politicians, entrepreneurs, and opinion leaders from around the globe. Discussions will center on critical contemporary issues, including Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, its confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the broader regional challenges posed by Iran.
Participants will address the most urgent challenges facing Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, exchanging insights and attempting to forecast their trajectory in the near future.
Dr. Mirilashvili’s participation underscores the EAJC’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration on the key issues shaping the future of Israel and global Jewry.
The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was tragically kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Abu Dhabi.
Rabbi Kogan began his vital work in the United Arab Emirates shortly after the signing of the Abraham Accords with Israel. He served as an assistant rabbi, oversaw kashrut, and managed a kosher supermarket in Dubai, contributing significantly to the local Jewish community.
EAJC leaders are closely monitoring the ongoing investigation into this horrific crime. According to Israeli security services, Rabbi Kogan’s murder was an anti-Semitic terrorist act, reportedly orchestrated by Iranian operatives. The Congress urges law enforcement authorities in both Israel and the UAE to spare no effort in bringing those responsible, including the masterminds behind the attack, to justice.
Since the signing of the Abraham Accords four years ago, the EAJC has maintained strong ties with the Jewish community in the UAE. Strengthening and expanding the Accords is a top priority for the Congress across various spheres, including public diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, business, science, and cultural exchange.
The murder of Rabbi Kogan is a barbaric act of terrorism aimed, among other goals, at undermining the relationship between nations. We must not allow terrorism to dictate the future. A fitting response to such violence is to deepen intergovernmental, economic, and scientific ties, reinforcing the bonds of cooperation and mutual respect that the Abraham Accords represent.
The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress strongly condemns the attempted assassination of Prof. Irwin Kotler – former Justice Minister of Canada and renowned human rights activist.
EAJC stands in full solidarity with Professor Irwin Cotler, his family, and the Canadian authorities following the prevention of an assassination attempt against him. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Canada’s law enforcement agencies for their swift and effective action in thwarting this heinous crime. It is imperative that those responsible for this plot are thoroughly investigated and brought to justice.
At the same time, the EAJC unequivocally condemns the actions of the perpetrators and those who orchestrated this assassination attempt. Professor Cotler is an extraordinary human rights advocate, a staunch defender of freedom and justice, a respected leader of the Canadian Jewish community, and a cherished friend of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. This attempt on his life represents yet another act of barbaric terrorism sponsored and supported by the Iranian regime on the global stage.
EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili remarked:
“Professor Cotler has been a longstanding partner of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, participating in our initiatives and visiting Jewish communities across the former Soviet Union. He has an intimate understanding of the history and struggles of Russian-speaking Jewry and has made significant contributions to the defense of Soviet dissidents. Notably, he played a key role in defending Natan Sharansky during his imprisonment in the Soviet Union.
This assassination attempt underscores a grim reality we have long warned about: Iran’s three-tiered threat to global stability. Its nuclear ambitions, regional aggression, and state-sponsored terrorism endanger the entire international community. These actions must not go unchallenged, and it is time for the global community to take decisive action to put an end to these threats.”
After the UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, a group of unidentified attackers targeted Israeli fans. They chased the fans across the city, beat them, rammed their cars into them, and stormed into the hotels where they were staying. More than 25 people were injured, some seriously.
The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) wishes to recovery of the victims and strongly condemns the actions of the instigators and participants in the riots and attacks on Israeli football fans. EAJC leaders call on the Dutch authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. It is essential to uncover the true motives of the perpetrators, identify the organizers, and pursue them to the full extent of the law. We thank the Kingdom’s authorities for their public display of solidarity with Israel and its citizens, but at the same time, we urge them to take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
There is no doubt that the events in Amsterdam were a planned violent act with a purely anti-Semitic nature.
The President of the EAJC, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, noticed:
“The horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, triggered a wave of blatant anti-Semitism across the globe. The scale of this age-old disease (hatred of Jews, which is now taking on new forms) has once again taken us by surprise. The events in Amsterdam are a consequence of the strategy to amplify anti-Semitism in the public information space, particularly on social media and in the media. We have repeatedly emphasized that the spread of anti-Semitic ideas inevitably leads to severe consequences, not only for Jews but for the entire free world. It is well known that anti-Semitism marks the beginning of the deepest decay of any society, no matter how enlightened it may be. We call on the Dutch authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and take all possible preventive measures.”
The EAJC CEO, Dr. Chaim Ben Yakov pointed out the numerous false reports on social media aimed at spreading misinformation about the incident, attempting to frame it as “a fight among football fans”:
“We are all aware of the wave of anti-Semitic sentiment sweeping through Europe. The question was not ‘Will such an incident ever occur?’ but ‘When will it happen, and where?’ Without a doubt, what we faced in Amsterdam was an extreme manifestation of anti-Semitism, not football hooliganism. Israelis were hunted down on the streets of Amsterdam, well beyond the sports venues,” Ben Yakov said.
He also highlighted the danger of drawing historical comparisons to the events in Amsterdam: “The associations being made today are often inaccurate. When comparing what happened to events like Kristallnacht or the Kishinev pogrom, we must be extremely cautious, because there is one fundamental difference between those events and today—now we have a strong and independent Jewish state, where every Jew can come. And where each of us can feel protected and take responsibility for the fate of our people into our own hands, considering the objective challenges of life in an independent state surrounded by enemies.”
It has been exactly one year since the horrific day when Hamas terrorists breached the border with Israel, perpetrating a brutal massacre in border communities, military bases, and the Re’im music festival. Tragically, Israel was not adequately prepared for this assault, leaving citizens to confront thousands of terrorists for hours. However, after recovering from the initial shock, the Israeli army and civil society united in a powerful response, demonstrating remarkable dedication and resilience. Since then, Israel has been engaged in a complex war on multiple fronts.
Understanding the full implications of the events of October 7 will take many more years. It is particularly symbolic that this anniversary coincides with the Days of Repentance, the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—a time for introspection, humility, and mercy. Days that we should spend in re-examining and correcting our mistakes. During these days, we hope and pray for a more favorable outcome for all in the year to come.
On this first anniversary of the tragedy, we bow our heads in remembrance of the victims of that terrible day, honoring the fallen heroes, and praying for the safe return of the innocent hostages held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip for the past year.
As part of the initiatives, launched by Chairman of the Board of Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) Aaron G. Frenkel, the Israeli charity organization “Yad Sarah” has established oxygen tanks distribution centers in Jerusalem and Haifa. These centers are able to fill and distribute oxygen tanks for patients with severe illnesses who require special home care.
In “Yad Sarah” noticed that every week it use about 600 oxygen tanks for its patients needs.
